With its chaotic charm and neon-lit energy, Mong Kok is unlike any other district in Hong Kong. As one of the city’s hottest shopping destinations, many head to this vibrant neighbourhood for giant retail complexes like MOKO, Langham Place and the brand-new U corner, but it’s also home to a lively array of compact standalone shops and characteristic street-side stalls – each offering a shopping experience that’s just as exciting.
We’ve packed all the best picks into one guide so you can curate the ultimate shopping spree in Mong Kok.
Credit: T.O.P This is Our Place
Credit: Miya's Work
Directly accessible from Mong Kok MTR station, the eight-storey T.O.P This is Our Place is a youthful space housing a unique lineup of local labels, such as skincare brand Miya’s Work , pet supply shop Three Little Meow and fashion boutique Banananaxx . Regular pop-up markets add to the eclectic mix of retailers.
700 Nathan Road, Mong Kok
Credit: Kermit Tang
Connected to T.O.P This is Our Place via a footbridge, Argyle Centre has been a cornerstone of Mong Kok’s shopping scene for decades. It continues to attract shoppers of all ages with diverse outlets selling streetwear, cosplay costumes, gowns and fashion accessories that won’t hurt your wallet.
688 Nathan Road, Mong Kok
Credit: Kermit Tang
Credit: Kermit Tang
Many in Hong Kong have a particular soft spot for Sino Centre, a place where you can hunt for both classic vinyl and hot new releases. Beyond records, Sino Centre is a vibrant showcase of local pop culture with stores selling toys, IP merchandise, games and gadgets.
582-592 Nathan Road, Mong Kok
Credit: Kermit Tang
Credit: Kermit Tang
If a parallel universe really does exist, this jam-packed thrift haven might well be the gateway to it. Founded in the ’80s, Mee & Gee entices vintage shoppers in Hong Kong with its huge inventory of pre-loved goods imported from all over the world.
181 Fa Yuen Street, Mong Kok
55 Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok
There’s an aura to analogue photography that can’t be found in digital images – this and a taste for all things retro explains why film cameras are making a comeback. Enthusiasts can make Showa their one-stop shop for vintage and instant cameras, film developing services and expert photography tips.
3/F, 66 Sai Yeung Choi Street South, Mong Kok
Credit: winhorse/Getty Images
Just minutes away from Langham Place, 618 Shanghai Street is a captivating blend of nostalgia and modernity. Comprised of 14 historic arcade buildings – some of which are Grade II-listed structures that date back to the 1920s – this site has been revitalised through a preservation project, giving these shophouses a new lease of life as a trendy homeware hub.
618, Shanghai Street, Mong Kok
Credit: Hakdei
Credit: Hakdei
On the ground floor of the same complex, Hakdei is your go-to for quality homeware from local household names. Traditional wares such as bamboo steamers and wicker baskets pay homage to the past, championing craftsmanship and natural materials.
G/F, 618 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok
Credit: Kermit Tang
Credit: Kermit Tang
Up on the first floor, Bunkaya Zakkaten brings a slice of Japan to the city. While the original outlet in Tokyo’s Harajuku district is no longer in operation, this Hong Kong branch remains a hotspot for vintage fashion, homeware, pre-loved items and quirky keepsakes.
1/F, 618 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok
Credit: CHUNYIP WONG/Getty Images
This legendary market along Tung Choi Street gets its name from its early days as a hub for women’s apparel. As the first officially designated hawker area in Hong Kong, it now boasts more than 100 stalls selling clothes and souvenirs at irresistible prices.
Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok
Credit: winhorse/Getty Images
Running parallel to Ladies’ Market, Fa Yuen Street – commonly known as Sneakers Street – lives up to its nickname with dozens of stores selling sports shoes, from street-level outlets to shops hidden on the upper floors of mixed-used buildings. Standouts include 432hz , which sells street-style footwear, and Shoelaxe, specialising in deadstock shoes.
Fa Yuen Street, Mong Kok
Credit: Jeff Greenberg/Getty Images
The city’s biggest flower market is a paradise for green thumbs, selling a huge range of cut flowers, potted plants and horticultural equipment. Shoppers flock here during Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day for auspicious plants and beautiful bouquets.
Flower Market Road, Mong Kok